Ranebennuru

Ranebennuru is at the geographical center of Karnataka. 14.62°N 75.62°E / 14.62; 75.62.[2] It has an average elevation of 605 metres (1,985 ft). One of Karnataka's most important rivers – the Tungabhadra – flows along the southern border of Ranebennur taluk. Another river, the Kumadvathi, which originates from Madagh Masur Lake[3] flows from Hirekerur taluk, enters Ranebennur taluk, and joins the Tungabhadra river.

The nearest airport is at Hubballi, 108 km from Ranebennur. From there one can reach Bengaluru and Mumbai by flight. The nearest international airports are 271 km and 300 km away, in Mangaluru and Bengaluru respectively. Ranebennur is connected with most of the metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai through regular trains.

Being situated on National Highway NH4, the city enjoys good bus services. It is a 1.5 hour drive from Hubli (105 km) and 5 hour drive from Bengaluru (300 km). Most buses travelling between North Karnataka and South Karnataka pass through Ranebennur.

As of 2011 India census, Ranebennur has a population of 106,365. Males constitute 50.7% of the population and females 49.3%. Ranebennur has a literacy rate of 60.98%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. Male literacy is 60.16% and female literacy is 61.8%. In Ranebennur, 10.8% of the population is under 6 years of age.

The bulk of the population is engaged in agriculture and related activities. Cotton and jowar (sorghum) are very well suited to the semi-arid climate. Coconut, brinjal, maize, betel leaves, and tomatoes are the other crops grown here both as produce and for their seeds. Much of the agricultural output is dependent on the southwest monsoon and hence gets challenging at times. the Upper Tunga project, if completed, will be a boon for the farmers in this region.[4] Sericulture (rearing of silkworms) is growing in popularity among the farmers. Mulberry plants are grown and silkworm larvae are fed cut-up mulberry leaves. This is a labour-intensive activity and hence well suited to this region.

Ranebennur is home to a rich commodity market. Commodities like cotton yarn, cottonseed, oilseeds, red chilli, betel nut, and betel leaf are traded. Ranebennur has a seed multiplication industry. Several seed companies are located and operating in the city. Ranebennur is also known for its wholesale cloth market and all type of wholesale business.

Sarees are also a very vast market at Ranebennur. Sha Sukhraj Mithalal Sarees and M/S Manohar Textiles on MG road is one of the biggest and oldest merchants of sarees and has a vast collection. Just when the village started expanding this store was established around the late twentieth century. Nehru Market is also one of the oldest market places, here we can see a lot of groceries, wholesale,stationery shops. Gondkar Radio & ENGG Co, located at M.G Road is one of the oldest consumer electronics (Radio, TV)& home appliances(Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Mixer-grinder)

Ranebennuru is home to a wildlife sanctuary. Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary is home to blackbuck, Great Indian Bustard and wolves. Great Indian Bustard was last spotted in 2005 and maybe locally extinct.

• Ranebennur city Government website